The celestial phenomena underwent a tremendous change. Everyone in the realm who understood astronomy was shaken, and they could not help but turn their attention to news from the Capital City and the northern lands.
Though the little emperor was always willful, he was the ruler of a nation, and far too much rested upon him.
Only he could cause such a drastic upheaval in the heavens.
Everyone's heart clenched as they devoutly prayed to Heaven, hoping the emperor could return safely to the capital.
Pan Yun held the jade pendant in one hand and stroked the little Mountain God statue with the other, praying silently in her heart.
Pan Little Black lay at her feet and looked up at her, his pitch-black eyes unusually serious. [You're praying to Heaven for his safety while holding a butcher's knife?]
Pan Yun replied, [If he is safe, the butcher's knife will not be raised.]
At some point, Xue Shao had gone down from the roof to sleep. Only one person and one cat remained seated atop the roof all night.
Meanwhile, on the grasslands, Peng Deqing, the newly appointed Director of the Imperial Astronomical Bureau who had always borne the label of Wang Zhen's confidant, went to wait outside Wang Zhen's great tent before dawn. He urged, "Director, last night's celestial signs gave a warning. We cannot proceed any farther. Otherwise, if His Majesty is cast into the wilds, who will bear the responsibility?"
Wang Zhen stubbornly refused to listen. With a cold laugh, he said, "We will reach Datong tomorrow. If we do not enter the city, would that not mean returning empty-handed? His Majesty will never agree."
Peng Deqing said in a low voice, "His Majesty is receptive to remonstrance. Why not remain here today and rest? If you advise